More than books

From rare manuscripts to e-books, tech rentals, film streaming, and inspiring spaces, Yale libraries offer endless free resources for learning and discovery.

Borrowing books only scratches the surface of what you can do through the numerous libraries that make up Yale Library’s world-renowned system. Your Yale ID, which doubles as a library card, grants you access to “all the services we offer, both in person and online,” says Rockenbach, the Stephen F. Gates ’68 University Librarian. “You can get tech help, view cultural treasures like the Gutenberg Bible, host a meeting in a stunning space, and more.” Spouses and domestic partners are entitled to full library privileges, too. Here’s a sampling of the services you can enjoy any time, for free.

Follow national news. Stay up to date with digital subscriptions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Financial Times.

Check out e-books and audiobooks. Eager to read the latest bestseller? Looking for a recipe to try out? Search Yale Library’s collection of nearly 8 million e-books and audiobooks in Quicksearch, or browse the available popular fiction and non-fiction titles from Overdrive (Libby).

Rent multimedia equipment. Borrow cameras, audio equipment, computer accessories, and more from Bass Media Equipment Checkout.

Watch films. The Yale Film Archive collection offers a choice of more than 40,000 Hollywood films, international features, documentaries, performances, newsreels, and other media. Multiple film streaming services are also available, including the Criterion Collection of international and documentary films which you can find on Kanopy.

Listen to music. The library subscribes to databases of streaming audio featuring jazz, classical, pop, contemporary, and more. Anyone with a Yale NetID can tune in to any of these from anywhere, almost 24/7.

Explore the archives and special collections. Marvel at papyri dating from the first century. View prints by 18th-century English painter William Hogarth, famous for his satirical morality paintings. Try to decode the 15th-century Voynich Manuscript’s unidentified language and illustrations of unfamiliar plants, constellations, and creatures. Delve into the library’s digital collections attend exhibitions throughout the year, and view rare and archival materials in one of seven special collections reading rooms.

Soak up the atmosphere. “Yale Library offers an amazing range of spaces to work, read, or just reflect and relax,” says Barbara, including the renovated Linonia and Brothers Room, the Graduate Study Room, and the Andrews Study Room, all in Sterling Memorial Library. “We also have some of the most inspirational public spaces on campus, like Sterling Library’s Gothic nave, which was modeled after a European cathedral, and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library’s six-story, glassed-in tower of book stacks.” Learn more about the libraries.

Ask a question. How can I have materials delivered to my home address? Can I borrow a charger for my computer? How do I reserve a room in Bass Library? Laura Galas, associate director for Frontline Services at Sterling Memorial Library and Bass Library, and her team answer approximately 7,500 questions a year from the Yale community through Ask Yale Library. “No matter the question, we will treat it respectfully and do our due diligence to find the right answer,” says Galas, whose team posts all questions and answers on the Ask Yale Library page. Frequently asked questions include: How do I find out who owns the copyright for a book or creative work?  How do I use VPN?  What is the difference between microfilm and microfiche?  And Where can I find copies of Yale dissertations?